Offshore sailing course – Heading for the Canary Islands or the Antilles
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Martinique
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions53.78 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on an exceptional maritime adventure and experience a unique offshore sailing adventure aboard a BALI catamaran, combining comfort, space and the pleasure of sailing, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean.
Choose the crossing that suits you best: from Hyères to the Canary Islands or from the Canaries to the Caribbean. These two legs allow you to experience part of this great maritime adventure, with the option of completing the entire crossing, from Hyères to the Caribbean, for a complete transatlantic experience.
Accompanied by an experienced skipper-instructor, immerse yourself in life at sea and actively participate in navigation: organizing watches, navigating day and night, analyzing weather conditions, planning routes, and performing maneuvers on board. You'll also enjoy the comfort and living spaces of the BALI catamaran, ideal for sharing this adventure as a crew.
Much more than just a trip, this course is a true immersion in the world of offshore navigation, ideal for perfecting your skills, gaining autonomy and pushing your horizons.
Whether you choose a single stage or the grand crossing, cast off for an unforgettable human and maritime adventure!
The highlights
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A unique offshore adventure
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A total immersion in navigation
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A professionally supervised learning experience
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
The expert's opinion
This offshore sailing course is primarily aimed at those with some prior sailing experience who wish to deepen their knowledge during an offshore crossing. A solid understanding of basic navigation and comfort with life aboard a sailboat are recommended. Prior offshore sailing experience is not necessarily required, but good physical condition, adaptability, and teamwork are essential to fully enjoy this adventure. Accompanied by an experienced skipper-instructor, each participant will progress at their own pace and take part in various maneuvers and activities on board .
Management
French
English
Program
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Welcome aboard and preparation for the crossing
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet your skipper-instructor and the other crew members aboard the catamaran. Introduction to the boat, settling into the cabins, familiarization with the equipment, and safety briefing. You will participate in the departure preparations: checking equipment, organizing provisioning, studying the route, and analyzing the initial weather forecast.
Day 1 -
Step 2 – Getting to grips with the catamaran and initial maneuvers
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Time for some hands-on practice! You'll discover the specifics of catamaran sailing and actively participate in your first maneuvers: sail trimming, course management, maintaining heading, and using navigation instruments. This stage will allow everyone to get their bearings and gradually gain confidence.
Day 2 -
Offshore navigation and watch organization
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Once offshore, you'll discover the true rhythm of an ocean crossing. You'll participate in organizing day and night watches, monitoring the waters, tracking the course, and changing sails. You'll learn to adapt your navigation to the conditions encountered while developing your independence.
Day 3 -
Step 4 – Meteorology and Navigation Management
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Throughout the crossing, you will deepen your knowledge of marine meteorology and route planning. Accompanied by your skipper-instructor, you will learn to interpret weather forecasts, anticipate wind shifts, and adjust your itinerary. You will also discover safety principles and how to manage situations encountered on the high seas.
Day 4 -
Crew life and self-sufficiency on board
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An offshore crossing is also a truly enriching human experience. You will participate in the daily life of the boat: preparing meals, managing resources, routine maintenance, and organizing rest periods. This immersive experience will allow you to develop your teamwork skills, adaptability, and independence in a unique maritime environment.
Day 5 -
Arrival at destination and review of the crossing
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After several days at sea, you will reach your destination: the Canary Islands or the Caribbean, depending on the package you choose. You will participate in the final maneuvers, approaching the port and securing the boat. A debriefing session with your skipper-instructor will review the skills acquired, the experiences gained, and areas for improvement for your future voyages.
The program may be adapted depending on weather conditions, safety requirements and the chosen route.
Day 6
Note
The program presented is for guidance only and may be adapted according to weather conditions, sea state, and safety requirements. Offshore sailing requires a degree of flexibility, particularly regarding schedules, stopovers, and arrival dates. Each crossing is a unique experience, shaped by the conditions encountered at sea and the decisions of the skipper-instructor. Educational activities will be tailored to the participants' skill level and sailing conditions. The itinerary and duration of the course will depend on the chosen option: Hyères–Canary Islands, Canary Islands–Caribbean, or a complete crossing from Hyères to the Caribbean. We recommend allowing some flexibility in your travel arrangements, especially for your return transportation.
Accommodation
Throughout your voyage, you will be accommodated aboard a BALI catamaran, offering a comfortable and convivial living environment, ideal for long voyages. The boat features cabins equipped with beds, storage space, bathrooms, and shared living areas where you can connect with the crew. Each participant has a private cabin or can share it with a partner of their choice (spouse, friend, or relative).
Access
The arrival point depends on the crossing option chosen when you booked. You can opt for a first leg from Hyères to the Canary Islands, or a second leg from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. The precise departure and arrival details will be provided based on your selected itinerary.
Go to the starting point
The port of Hyères, the starting point for your sailing course, is easily accessible by train from several major French cities.
Hyères SNCF train station is the closest to the port, located approximately 10 minutes away by taxi or car. Public transport also provides access to the port in about 20 minutes, depending on the timetable and connections.
For travelers arriving from further afield, Marseille-Saint-Charles station offers a convenient alternative, particularly thanks to its numerous TGV connections. From Marseille, you can reach Hyères by train, then continue to the port by taxi or bus.
Depending on the chosen crossing option, several solutions are possible to reach your departure point.
For departures from Hyères, two airports are accessible: Toulon-Hyères Airport, located approximately 10 minutes from the port, and Marseille-Provence Airport, located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away by car. Both options provide easy access to the embarkation point.
For departures from the Canary Islands, several international airports serve the archipelago, notably those of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The preferred airport will depend on your scheduled port of embarkation .
Parking and car access
For participants wishing to reach the port of Hyères by car, several parking options are available near the embarkation point. The port has numerous free parking lots, including the Arromanches car park, suitable for long-term parking, ideal for leaving your vehicle during your sailing course.
Other parking areas are also available around the port, with parking conditions varying depending on the season and duration. We recommend choosing spaces that allow for extended parking and allowing yourself plenty of time to reach your boat before departure.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a qualified professional instructor
- Educational and technical support throughout the crossing (weather briefings, navigation, watches, safety)
- Complete safety equipment compliant with offshore regulations (life raft, beacons, automatic life jackets, etc.)
- Boat insurance
- Accommodation on board for the entire duration of the crossing
- Use of onboard equipment: kitchen, sleeping berths, navigation equipment
- Gas
The price does not include
- Transport to the port of departure and return from the port of arrival
- Provisions: approximately €25 per day per person - mandatory
Options
- Private cabin rental : CHF2’287.00 / unit
- Bedding kit : CHF32.02 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return), visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Life jacket and all related safety equipment
Equipment to bring
- Polarized sunglasses with cord
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Neck warmer, lightweight windbreaker
- Soft bag (not a hard-shell suitcase)
- Waterproof bags
- Headlamp, reusable water bottle, personal toiletry kit
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof jacket and overalls (windproof clothing)
- Fleece or down jacket
- Technical base layers and breathable t-shirts
- Loose trousers and shorts
- Shoes with white soles and boots depending on the weather
- Beanie, cap, sailing gloves
- Change of clothes, swimsuit, microfiber towel
